Conclusion

Vicki will probably hold onto the memory of Marty for as long as she needs to. Until some loving man comes into her life, she will think of him as someone who really wanted her. He awakened in her the budding sexuality of a woman, and she considers him as her lover. But "lover" in this case is not only physical. She has never had a solid, long-term relationship with any male. The feelings were good between Vicki and Marty. He was not a bad person, and he never sought to hurt her the way she had been hurt psychologically.

While I cannot condone such a physical relationship in a foster home, I am concerned that the sudden break after this sexual contact will harm Vicki's ability to associate sex with love in years to come. She wanted him to touch her and hold her, and when he did, he hurt her at first, but in the long run, it took her away from the affection and security of the home.

With therapy, however, I feel that Vicki will learn that this was not the only sexual experience she will ever have and that her sexuality is good, even though, in this case, it served her unjustly. Not surprisingly, she admits to wanting to see Marty again. I honestly believe that she will attempt this when she is a bit older.